Sophie Cunningham strongly supported the WNBA All-Stars’
“pay us what you owe us”
message over the weekend, addressing the ongoing issues around player compensation and season scheduling. In a media session on Sunday, Cunningham responded sharply to questions about the 44-game season plan and player breaks, directly challenging WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
When asked about the season structure and rest periods, Cunningham stated bluntly,
“You can just tell Cathy to pay us and then we can have a discussion, so, yeah.”
This message highlights the players’ frustration as negotiations between the WNBPA and the WNBA remain stalled, leaving players dissatisfied with current progress.
The season’s proposed changes can only be implemented once the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is finalized, but talks have yet to advance significantly. All-Stars wore
“pay us what you owe us”
warm-up shirts during Sunday’s All-Star game to emphasize their demand, while Cunningham also expressed her support through a comment on the WNBPA’s Instagram post that simply said, “PERIOD.”
Discontent Over Limited All-Star Break and Schedule
Players voiced concern about the short All-Star break, especially those who participated in the Saturday events. The break lasted from Thursday to Monday, with many teams returning to play as soon as Tuesday. For the All-Stars, the break amounted to just three nights, intensifying their frustrations amid ongoing salary disputes.
Indiana’s Enthusiastic Reception Shines During 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend
Despite the absence of star player Caitlin Clark, who withdrew due to a right groin injury sustained shortly before the festivities, the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend in Indiana was met with enthusiasm and strong fan support. Sophie Cunningham praised the local fans for their passionate presence, stating,
“It was awesome, Indiana showed out for All-Star. I said multiple times that we have the best fans. The love, the encouragement they show us on a weekly basis, now other teams and players got to see what we see all the time.”
Cunningham has rapidly become a fan favorite in Indiana, building important connections with teammates like Clark. Her growing influence and rapport with players are seen as valuable assets for the Fever’s future.
What Lies Ahead for the WNBA and its Players
The ongoing negotiation deadlock poses challenges for WNBA players eager for improved pay and better season conditions. Cunningham’s candid comments and the All-Stars’ visible protest underscore the urgency felt across the league. As the new CBA’s adoption is the only avenue for concrete changes, the players’ continued pressure aims to push commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league officials toward resolving these issues promptly. The passionate fan support seen in Indiana also highlights the strong foundation upon which the league can continue to grow as players advocate for fair treatment and compensation.